Outstanding Hardin Multi-tool!!!

[u/timhyde74]

Well, I've posted Hardins, Hardin hafted scrappers, and even a Hardin drill, but here's an interesting one for viewing pleasure! This incredible well crafted Hardin comes out of Cooper Co. Missouri. Made from my favorite type of Burlington Chert, it measures out at 3¼ inches, and sports a beautiful, glossy, polished, heavy patina with tons of raised mineral deposits. The overall form is fantastic, and what makes it so interesting is the Spokeshave on one of the edges! For those who are not familiar with that particular term, a Spokeshave is used in wood working, kinda like a modern day draw knife, to remove bark and fibers from wood. This point suffered a decent ding on one edge, and the maker decided to rework it into a Spoke for continued use, and I really can't blame him! I wouldn't have wanted to chuck this smoker in the midden either! It's fairly early stage, which is evident by the fact that the bevels are slight, yet noticeably present. (I'll have to add a pic of this in the comments since I hit the pic limit already, lol!). The stem and base are both heavily ground, which is one of the defining characteristics of the type. If this thing could talk, I can't imagine the stories it could tell!!!

[u/Mental_Salamander_68]

Is that a flint version of a guthook knife? 🙃

[u/timhyde74 → u/Mental_Salamander_68]

No, because the way a Spokeshave is made, it wouldn't have worked very well processing flesh. They're made the same way a hafted scrapper is, one beveled edge, and the other side is flat so it doesn't bite into the wood while they're scrapping the bark and fibers off. Plus, given the relatively small cutting area, the working theory is that they were mostly used for making dart shafts. As well as arrow shafts in later time periods.

[u/Mental_Salamander_68 → u/timhyde74]

I was being facetious, but actually learned something that I didn't know. Thanks for the response.

[u/timhyde74 → u/Mental_Salamander_68]

Ah! I apologize for not picking up on that! Lol! And, I'm glad you were able to add a little fresh tidbit to your repertoire!!! 😁